2 weeks in north west Sicily in September
Aug 1st, 2012, 06:18 PM
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2 weeks in north west Sicily in September
We will be going to Sicily in September for 2 weeks. We will be staying in 2 different villas, the first week we will be near Cefalu and the second week near Balestrate. We will be renting a car. This is our first and probably only visit. ( It is a dream come true for us) We would love some help figuring out where to go and what not to miss. I know we can't see everything in 2 weeks. Also we were wondering if we should exchange our US dollars for Euros before we go or when we get there. Are credit cards widely accepted even in the small towns? Will I be able to use my cell phone with just an adapter for charging it and my camera? We would appreciate any advice we can get. Thank you
Aug 1st, 2012, 08:34 PM
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Do <b>not</b> exchange dollars before going to Sicily. Use your ATM card to get cash from ATMs associated with banks; they are ubiquitous. You might want to take a look at my Sicily trip; click on my name to find it.
Aug 3rd, 2012, 10:00 AM
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Thank you for responding. Why should we not exchange dollars before going? What are the fees with the ATMs?I read you trip and it gave me a lot of info. You made me realize that there is a shorter distance between towns than we thought and we may be able to see more than we planned. I hope your wife is doing well now.
Aug 3rd, 2012, 10:10 AM
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<< Why should we not exchange dollars before going? >>
Because you'll pay a very high exchange rate by exchanging USD for Euros either at your bank or an exchange company such as Travelex.
<< What are the fees with the ATMs >>
It depends on what your bank charges plus there is usually a foreign transaction fee of 1 to 3%. My credit union allows 8 non CU ATM transactions per month and my Visa ATM charges a 1% foreign transaction fee. All banks are not the same.
<< there is a shorter distance between towns than we thought and we may be able to see more than we planned >>
Perhaps the distance is shorter but the time to drive may not be. You can use mappy.com or viamichelin.com to compute driving times/distances. I always add 25% to whatever time they suggest and it always takes that much longer. Plus factor in stopping times (food, photo ops, health breaks, etc).
Because you'll pay a very high exchange rate by exchanging USD for Euros either at your bank or an exchange company such as Travelex.
<< What are the fees with the ATMs >>
It depends on what your bank charges plus there is usually a foreign transaction fee of 1 to 3%. My credit union allows 8 non CU ATM transactions per month and my Visa ATM charges a 1% foreign transaction fee. All banks are not the same.
<< there is a shorter distance between towns than we thought and we may be able to see more than we planned >>
Perhaps the distance is shorter but the time to drive may not be. You can use mappy.com or viamichelin.com to compute driving times/distances. I always add 25% to whatever time they suggest and it always takes that much longer. Plus factor in stopping times (food, photo ops, health breaks, etc).
Aug 3rd, 2012, 10:15 AM
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<< Are credit cards widely accepted even in the small towns? >>
Depends on what you are buying. I would not use a credit card for coffee and pastries or some small purchase like that. If you have a large meal then certainly use your credit card.
<< Will I be able to use my cell phone with just an adapter for charging it and my camera? >>
The adapter changes the AC outlet pin configuration and you will certainly need an adapter (I suggest bringing 2 or 3 since you might need more than 1 at a time and you might forget to take it out of the AC outlet and leave it behind).
Most new electronics have a built in voltage converter. Check your phone and camera chargers - they should say something like 110v to 230v. If they do not then you need a voltage converter to step down the voltage.
These things are available in any hardware store, Walmart type store, electronics store, etc.
Depends on what you are buying. I would not use a credit card for coffee and pastries or some small purchase like that. If you have a large meal then certainly use your credit card.
<< Will I be able to use my cell phone with just an adapter for charging it and my camera? >>
The adapter changes the AC outlet pin configuration and you will certainly need an adapter (I suggest bringing 2 or 3 since you might need more than 1 at a time and you might forget to take it out of the AC outlet and leave it behind).
Most new electronics have a built in voltage converter. Check your phone and camera chargers - they should say something like 110v to 230v. If they do not then you need a voltage converter to step down the voltage.
These things are available in any hardware store, Walmart type store, electronics store, etc.
Aug 3rd, 2012, 10:19 AM
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Maggie lucky you!
We always buy a few euros from our bank before we go, just to have some for our arrival.
There are a few places in Sicily where they will not take credit cards, so it's best to carry a small amount of cash.
Try to carry small bills, because a common claim is that they have no change. Had this happen to us.
Our bank and Visa both charge the going rate of exchange, plus add on 2.5% for their foreign exchange transaction fee. From what I've gleaned it seems to depend on what country you live in, because others on this forum say their bank doesn't charge a fee.
I would suggest calling your own bank and asking for the details, so you don't get a surprise when you get home.
We always buy a few euros from our bank before we go, just to have some for our arrival.
There are a few places in Sicily where they will not take credit cards, so it's best to carry a small amount of cash.
Try to carry small bills, because a common claim is that they have no change. Had this happen to us.
Our bank and Visa both charge the going rate of exchange, plus add on 2.5% for their foreign exchange transaction fee. From what I've gleaned it seems to depend on what country you live in, because others on this forum say their bank doesn't charge a fee.
I would suggest calling your own bank and asking for the details, so you don't get a surprise when you get home.
Aug 3rd, 2012, 10:42 AM
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Not sure if you are planning to go into Palermo (we loved it) but it's only an hour train ride along the water from Cefalu. That would save driving into the city.
We have not been to Balestrate, but pics on the web look very enticing. I would suggest to visit Erice, nearby Segesta for the Greek temple, or Agrigento, which is a long day trip, with a whole city of temples.
Depending on your interests, there are the stunning mosaics in Monreale, or close by to Balestrate is the Zingaro natural reserve, if you like hiking.
Those are my tried and true suggestions.
We have not been to Balestrate, but pics on the web look very enticing. I would suggest to visit Erice, nearby Segesta for the Greek temple, or Agrigento, which is a long day trip, with a whole city of temples.
Depending on your interests, there are the stunning mosaics in Monreale, or close by to Balestrate is the Zingaro natural reserve, if you like hiking.
Those are my tried and true suggestions.
Aug 3rd, 2012, 10:54 AM
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You may enjoy these shots from our trip in 2005.
Have fun---you will like Sicily.
http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/show...y.php?cat=3828
Have fun---you will like Sicily.
http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/show...y.php?cat=3828
